As we celebrate the Shepherds in our lives, we must remember this; before every journey, there is a preparation mentally, physically and even emotionally.
Many of us do not know this, but we also are being prepared for something which has not yet started. We are being trained for something that is yet to manifest. We are being groomed for a journey in Ministry which we are all guilty of hoping it never comes. Each role we play in the Body of Christ is part of a grooming process that leads us to fulfill the purpose to which He said “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you should “GO” and bear fruit”. John 15:26
This is the reality of the gospel that many of us choose not to hear, or try very much to deny ourselves by saying “not me”. When it comes to this reality, we say it is not for us, but every other promise in the Bible is “Amen”. We look at the Servants of God and we hope that it would never be our turn to stand in front of the congregation or be part of the leadership of the church or even shepherd any sheep.
But this is why God gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. God’s initial instruction to them is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry”(Ephesians 4:12). That is the first reason He explained to us why He gave some to this responsibility.
Therefore whatever is happening in our lives, we are being prepared firstly “for the work of ministry”. Many of us know this and cannot deny it; that at a point in what we think is our Christian journey; the revelation has crossed our path that we are called to ministry. That we have a role to play in the building of the kingdom; not through possession or resources; but through ministering one way or the other. But some of us have said “not me” so many times; even the great Servants in our lives will tell you that they once denied or refused the calling saying “not me”. But the responsibility of those who lead us in their different offices is to “equip us for the work of ministry”.
If we have not entered into our different ministries; the truth is we are still being prepared emotionally, mentally and physically for the work of ministry. He chose us, appointed us; and is preparing us to “GO” and bear fruit. Jesus said, “GO therefore and MAKE disciples of all the nations, BAPTISING them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, TEACHING them to observe all things I have commanded you”.(Matthew 28:19-20).
He chose us and appointed us to GO and MAKE disciples; as well as to BAPTISE and TEACH. This is the WORK of Ministry. If we have not been established in these, we are still preparing for the journey. The creation is eagerly waiting for this prophecy concerning our lives to be fulfilled. Unlike all other prophesies that must come to pass; this one is waiting for us to “GO